description

Synonym Chooser

How is the word description distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of description are character, kind, nature, sort, and type. While all these words mean "a number of individuals thought of as a group because of a common quality or qualities," description implies a group marked by agreement in all details belonging to a type as described or defined.

not all acts of that description are actually illegal

When might character be a better fit than description?

The meanings of character and description largely overlap; however, character implies a group marked by distinctive likenesses peculiar to the type.

research on the subject so far has been of an elementary character

When could kind be used to replace description?

While the synonyms kind and description are close in meaning, kind may suggest natural grouping.

a zoo seemingly having animals of every kind

When would nature be a good substitute for description?

The words nature and description can be used in similar contexts, but nature may imply inherent, essential resemblance rather than obvious or superficial likenesses.

two problems of a similar nature

When can sort be used instead of description?

In some situations, the words sort and description are roughly equivalent. However, sort often suggests some disparagement.

the sort of newspaper dealing in sensational stories

In what contexts can type take the place of description?

The synonyms type and description are sometimes interchangeable, but type may suggest strong and clearly marked similarity throughout the items included so that each is typical of the group.

one of three basic body types

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of description Weeks later, on Thursday, June 26, his car was discovered submerged in a local creek, and a body matching Neves' description was found inside the vehicle, according to a press release from the police department. Toria Sheffield, People.com, 28 June 2025 These descriptions occur throughout the documentary, as do subtitles for every talking head, including the Deaf participants. Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2025 During a police interview, Horton was shown surveillance images of a person wearing a marijuana-leaf hat and clothing matching the description provided by the victim. Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 27 June 2025 The exact number of pages is listed in the product description on the website. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for description
Recent Examples of Synonyms for description
Noun
  • That’s one of several standout stretches here, another being the note-perfect depiction of our heroes feeling the indiscriminate love while on ecstacy.
    Dennis Harvey, Variety, 27 June 2025
  • Then, crammed in between Nixon and a portrait of another former first lady, Laura Bush, a new portrait was added: a depiction of Trump's face overlaid with the American flag.
    Meredith Kile, People.com, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • To her, these monochromatic portraits bolster an African aesthetic due to their classic feel that stands the test of time.
    Ugonnaora Owoh, Essence, 30 June 2025
  • Many of the writers Giard photographed chose to use his pictures as their official author portraits, and many praised him for his ability to capture their essence.
    Chris Wiley, New Yorker, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • Allegiant does not tolerate disruptive behavior of any kind.
    Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 July 2025
  • There are three holidays when alcohol of any kind is prohibited from being sold in Tennessee.
    Jordan Green, The Tennessean, 4 July 2025
Noun
  • The star of the movie also briefly discussed his portrayal.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 7 July 2025
  • Tatiana Maslany anchors this Canadian potboiler with her portrayal of about a dozen (give or take) clones all built from the same original.
    Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 3 July 2025
Noun
  • The 50-day moving average crossed below the 200-day moving average in late January 2025 providing a warning of sorts.
    John Navin, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • The meeting is an informal deadline of sorts because Paramount is nominating three new members to its board of directors, and if a settlement is not inked in time, the new directors will have to get involved.
    Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • That guaranteed a franchise favorite stayed in Minnesota, and paints a clear picture of where the Timberwolves are financially heading into next week’s NBA rat race.
    Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 28 June 2025
  • These stats paint a hopeful picture: AI stepping in where traditional mental health care can’t.
    Kolawole Samuel Adebayo, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • Conservative ETFs — and virtue-signaling funds of all political stripes — are proliferating in the Trump age.
    semafor.com, semafor.com, 8 July 2025
  • Linen lovers will swoon over the $53 Easy Pull-on Pant in 100% Linen (over 60 percent off the original price), which comes in a pale pink stripe that’s begging to take you for a stroll along the Amalfi this summer.
    Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2025
Noun
  • However, Councilmember Paul Dillon proposed another amendment last week that eliminated the notice period and clarified the definition of obstruction.
    Tim Clouser, The Washington Examiner, 1 July 2025
  • The definition of cult has broadened, fueling greater interest.
    R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Description.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/description. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.

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